2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Just in case the 583-bhp SLS AMG GT isn't powerful enough.

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If that's your concern, Mercedes adds 39 bhp to the as part of a development program that drew from the .

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First came an upgrading of the 6208-cc aluminum V-8 that raised horsepower to 622 at 7400 rpm, AMG appropriately also increasing the redline from 7200 to 8000 rpm. Torque actually dips a touch from 479 lb.-ft. to 468 lb.-ft. By Mercedes' watch the Black Series gets to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, clipping 0.1 second off the time of the SLS AMG GT. Given enough roadway, the Black Series will keep right on going to a top speed of 196 mph.

Work on the valvetrain brought modified cams and specially coated bucket tappets. The intake side of the normally aspirated V-8 was opened up and the engine mapping reworked. The crank gets new oil passages and bearings while cooling of the water and oil was improved. These are among details adapted from the GT3 racing program, as was adding a gas-filled strut brace for the engine.

As part of the program that saw 154 lbs trimmed from the normal SLS AMG, the sport exhaust system is crafted from titanium rather than steel, alone cutting 28.7 lbs. By increasing the use of carbon fiber, AMG was able to prune still more poundage, another example being the torque tube, which weighs in at 58.6 lbs in sand-cast aluminum, but 29.3 in carbon fiber. Using a lithium-ion battery saves 17.6 lbs.

fits the SLS with a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission transaxle with four drive modes, automatic rev matching and, they say, even quicker response time. In the same housing is a new electronically controlled rear axle differential that offers variable locking for acceleration and deceleration.

Mercedes says that while the front and rear suspensions retain their aluminum double A-arm design, every component has been optimized for track performance. It's all firmer front and rear, of course, with both tracks up by almost an inch, the AMG forged alloy wheels equipped with specific Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, 275/35R-19 front, 325/30R-20 rear. Naturally the Black Series is fitted with AMG's ceramic two-piece braking system.

Flaring the fenders to cover the wider tracks is just the start. Black alloy wheels lurk in the wheel wells. The headlamps and taillights get black accenting. The large front inlets under the front lights add cooling air, while the vent on the carbon fiber hood lets it out and also benefits downforce. Engine bay air is also exhausted via the side fender vents. Air is routed under the Black Series from the front splitter to the rear diffuser. If you're a racing fan, you know the drill, but here it is in street form. And who could resist the optional high-mounted spoiler complete with its (Dan) Gurney flap?

Leather and Alcantara are the fabrics of choice for the Black Series' interior, the main color being - guess what? - black, with available red complements. To prove how serious Mercedes is about the SLS Black Series being a road or track car, you can order it without their precious COMAND multimedia system to knock off another 13 lbs. Or, if you're more road than track, there's a Bang & Olufsen audio option.

No word about price, but an SLS AMG GT Coupe starts at $199,500 so start dreaming...and saving as sales of the Black Series begin next summer.